July 12

Headliner: Crocodile River Music

​Crocodile River promotes African and African-influenced music including Brazilian, Caribbean and Flamenco. They share the cultures of Africa through song and dance that informs, connects, and inspires.

Opener: The Promise Is Hope

​The music of Ash & Eric L’Esperance marries two distinctly talented songwriters whose sound draws from the deep and vast well of the roots music tradition.  

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July 19

Headliner: Ric Porter and The Sons of the Soil

​Ric Porter, a local legend, is a founding member of two of Worcester’s grand bands:  the legendary Zonkaraz and the Preston Porter Band. Ric founded The Sons of the Soil to bring a North-Eastern high-lonesome, country, roots-rock set to the area music scene, featuring Bob Dylan, 50's Rockabilly, & Country.

​Opener: Liam Coleman

​A young 16 year old musician currently performing regularly in the Central MA area as a solo performer, covering songs of all genres of music from the 70's, 80's, 90's, and today. He is a student in the Main IDEA Teen Music Program.

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July 26

Headliner: Troy Gonyea

Troy, who has toured with The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Booker T, and Kim Wilson, cut his teeth with members of Muddy Waters fabled band. Now he and his Worcester-based quartet (Brooks Milgate on organ, Roomful of Blues alumnus Marty Ballou on bass, and drummer Lorne Entress) deliver an evening of blues, rock and roll, and roots music.

Opener: Lisa Marie & John Juxo

From jump-swing to swamp boogie, hill country blues to funky New Orleans grooves, Lisa Marie’s deep husky vocals express an unmistakable joy. Lisa Marie tells her audience that "joy and sorrow are two sides of the same coin." This woman is a storyteller. With Juxo by her side with his accordion and keyboards, surely there will be shenanigans!

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AUGUST 2

​Headliner: Alchemystics

The Alchemystics return to the Canal District for their second year. Around since 2003, they fuse reggae and hip‐hop to form a beat‐laden sauce of world conscious groove music. Powered by deep rhythms, meditative vocals, and old‐school harmonies, the band has shared the stage with reggae luminaries such as Stephen Marley, Sister Carol, and Burning Spear.

Opener: Serenity Jackson​

Emerging artist Serenity has a passion for all things music. Her mission is to use music to send a positive message and encourage others to be a "Kool Kid". She is a student in the Main IDEA Music Program.

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August 9

Headliner: We & the Dawg

Fronted by the Big Dawg himself, Bruce Reed, We & The Dawg will be performing 60’s & 70’s rock and soul, r&b and funk. Bruce was the lead singer for local favorites Big Dawg & Tornado Alley. Tonight the Tornado Horns join with We to provide an evening of movin' & groovin'!

Opener: Earl on Earth

Earl on Earth is a Boston-based band and brand fueled by exploration, art, relationships, and laughter to produce their alternative acoustic rock sound.  Lead Vocalist Nate Chung is a recent Holy Cross grad whose HC band, The Nate Chung Project, won the 2018 Worcester Music Award for “Best Up and Comers Act”.

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August 16

No concert tonight

​Save your energy for dancing at Saturday’s Latin American Festival presented by CENTRO; on the Worcester Common, 12:00 noon – 9:00 pm!

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August 23

Headliner: Michelle “Evil Gal” Willson and her Evil Gal Festival Orchestra

Her amazing voice, intense, engaging style, her vast knowledge of and passion for Rhythm & Blues music combined with years of experience as a road warrior in the music business add up to a unique show! Be prepared for an evening swelling with the influences of Dinah Washington, Ruth Brown, Sarah Vaughn, Tina Turner, Janis Joplin, Buddy Johnson, Ella Johnson, Big Joe Turner.

Opener: Joy of Music Program Jazz Ensemble

Straight from this summer’s music lessons, students from the Joy of Music Program have been exploring jazz as an art form in small group settings.  Students will present the rich legacy of jazz styles from Blues and standards to Bebop, contemporary, and Latin.